She needed sunshine.โ๏ธ๐ท
That has always stayed with me, because one thing I think fandom often overlooks about Elain is that just because she smiles doesnโt mean sheโs healed. SJM has repeatedly shown us that Elain is struggling, from explaining the vines in her nightmares in ACOFAS to the confirmations we get on CHD that thereโs far more going on beneath the surface than she lets others see. Elain is not ok, and hasnโt ever been since she arrived in the NC. But she puts on a brave face.
Thatโs what inspired this commission.
A moment where sheโs still lying in bed, overwhelmed, exhausted, and trying to find the strength to face another day. Something so many of us can related to, including myself. Then the sunlight reaches her. The warmth returns. The tears dry. Not because everything is suddenly okay, but because shes always needed sunshine.
I canโt wait for Elains true journey to start, until thenโฆ
And michi.illustrations captured that feeling perfectly. โ๏ธโจ
The softness, the emotion, the way the light falls across her face. It feels so intimate and hopeful at the same time. I absolutely love working with @michi.illustrations because she always manages to take an idea and somehow make it even more beautiful than I imagined. Iโve been holding onto this piece for a while, and Iโm so excited to finally share it.
And Iโd like to dedicate this one to my friend @amandapearls _
Happy Birthday boo ๐
Amanda reminds me of Elain in the best ways. Sheโs endlessly kind, always there for the people she loves, and the type of person who brings warmth wherever she goes.
May you always find sunshine โ๏ธ
Please do not repost as your own, edit, print or upload to AI.
Commissioned by me.
